Biris, Butts Cubebs, Fags, Gaspers, Puffs, Reefers, Smokes, Cancer Stix - whatever you call them, cigarettes are on their way "out".... or are they?According to a study by the USCDC "It's unlikely the United States will meet its Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing the adult smoking rate to 12 percent or less, say experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
A recent debate has ensued about whether or not St Joseph is ready to take the leap to a "non-smoking" city. Traditionally, the midwest has served as a smokers haven, and it is common knowledge that our citizens enjoy their right to enjoy a smoke anywhere they please. Many smokers in fact do not believe that the smoke they exhale into the air affects anyone in their vicinity, nor does the smoke wafting from the tip of their cigarette.
Smoking is a leading cause of PREVENTABLE death and disease in the U.S. Okay, so I'm not here to preach about whether one elects to smoke or not. I don't care what you do in your living room. I am here to push for an area where those who choose to have clean lungs won't have to be subjected to a hazy environment.
I think it is time. The people are ready to see the restaurants go smoke-free. The children have deserved the honor of dining sans smoke.
A Massachusetts study found that "youths who lived in towns with strict bans were 40% less likely to become regular smokers than those in communities with no bans or weak ones." Isn't this reason enough?
A business owner told me the other day "Smoking around food is disgusting." This particular owner does not have a smoking area in their restaurant. They have been in business for many years and the lack of a smoking and non-smoking side does not negatively impact their success.
C'mon folks. Put down the cancer stix for an hour. You can rush outside following your meal to suck down some smoke. In the meantime... relax. Breathe some fresh air. Enjoy your meal without the worry of smokers guilt. Your community will thank you.
To the Saint Joseph community - let's band together and get an initiative passed that will allow diners to select any restaurant they choose, regardless of indoor air quality.
